Pakistan’s pace sensation, Shaheen Shah Afridi, faces a potential rest for the final Sydney Test against Australia, contingent on the outcome of the second Test. Reports suggest that fatigue resulting from back-to-back matches has prompted the team management to consider preserving Afridi for the impending T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 12.
If Pakistan faces defeat in the second Test, scheduled just before the Sydney fixture, the decision to rest Afridi becomes more likely. The strategic move aims to mitigate the strain on the fast bowler and prioritize his fitness for the upcoming T20I engagements.
The Sydney Test, spanning from January 3 to 7, is strategically positioned just days before the T20I series kickoff. Recognizing Afridi’s integral role and the demanding schedule, the management is keen on optimizing his performance by ensuring adequate rest. This decision underscores the modern cricketing emphasis on workload management, acknowledging the importance of player well-being in a packed international cricket calendar.
